George Mason University: Season of Giving provides targeted support to Mason programs

From October 15 to December 15, 12 Mason units will designate a 24-hour period as a one-day fundraising event. On their giving day, alumni, faculty, staff, students, families and friends will unite to support the unit and give to an identified area. Some units will ask for general support while others will request donations for specific programs or funds. And while each unit has a special day, it is possible to give to your favorite program throughout the Season of Giving.

From scholarship endowments to technology innovation funds, the Season of Giving provides a wide range of engagement choices. The intention of the campaign is to allow individuals to support the program or causes that matters most to them.

“The Season of Giving gives us an opportunity to reflect on our priorities as members of the broad Mason community,” said Trishana Bowden, Mason’s vice president of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations. “Is there a program that you see is making a difference? Or a cause that is near and dear to your heart? The intention of this campaign is to encourage individuals to identify what is meaningful and then join the effort and give.”
Giving days are also a way for units to connect with communities during the holiday season. The School of Business chose to have their Annual Business Celebration on their October 27 giving day, and the Honors College’s Winter Research Exhibition and Donor Reception is on their December 2 giving day.

In the spirit of giving, donors who give $25 or more will receive a limited-edition Season of Giving decorative ornament.

Season of Giving participants and their corresponding days, in chronological order, are as follows.

George Mason University Alumni Association (GMUAA), October 20—Donations will support the Alumni Association’s General Fund, which finances the office’s core programs such as Homecoming, and allows the office to tailor their efforts to best serve the needs of alumni. GMUAA events and programming offer opportunities to engage, empower and inspire alumni of Mason Nation in a multitude of ways.

College of Health and Human Services, October 25—Contributions will support the Virtual Reality and Simulation Lab and the Student Scholarship Fund, both of which support students whose goals are to become professionals who transform health care on local, national, and international levels.

School of Business, October 27—Season of Giving gifts will help fund the School of Business Alumni Chapter Emerging Business Leader Scholarship Endowment, which benefits high-achieving Mason students as they endeavor to become the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, November 2—There is no better time than an anniversary to reflect on progress made and future plans. Honor the Carter School’s 40-year commitment to a more peaceful world with a gift to support student scholarships, public engagement activities and the collaborative research conducted in the school’s Peace Labs.

College of Visual and Performing Arts/Hylton Center, November 4—Contributions to the college will help fund the Mason Community Arts Academy, Mason Game and Technology Academy, Veterans and the Arts Initiative, Center for the Arts, and Hylton Performing Arts Center. Through these programs and institutions, Mason unites diverse artists that comprise a dynamic community that not only benefits the Mason ecosystem but the entire region through exhibits, performances, showcases and other creative opportunities.

College of Science, November 10—Support the college in its efforts to nurture the scientists of tomorrow through the college’s Vision Fund, quantum physics research, or individual departments. The strong foundation in education and research provided by Mason will facilitate future scientists in solving the world’s most difficult and critical problems.

University Libraries, November 16—The Student Research Endowment, Student Assistant Scholarship Endowment, and the Center for Mason Legacies provide research opportunities, financial support, and experiential learning, all of which lay a foundation for students’ success and enrich their academic experiences. The skills learned through these programs are important to Patriots’ future careers and professional activities.

College of Education and Human Development, November 23—Gifts to the Dean’s Excellence Fund guarantee that financial resources—beyond the college’s annual budget—are available in case of an unexpected need or to take advantage of valuable opportunities when they become available. The Dean’s Excellence Fund allows the college to make time-sensitive decisions that enhance the student experience and advance the college’s mission of providing exceptional educational opportunities.

Honors College, December 2—Make an important impact on students by helping to provide multidisciplinary learning opportunities that supplement any major at Mason. Contributions to the Honors College ensure that the most challenging and enriching educational and civic engagement experiences are available to students who want to pursue additional academic and experiential learning offerings.

Green Machine Pep Band, December 6—Ranked the #1 pep band in the nation by the NCAA, Green Machine ensembles routinely travel to perform at basketball tournaments and community events. Gifts to the Green Machine defray travel expenses including bus rentals, hotel reservations and meals on the road.

College of Engineering and Computing, December 8—Contributions will benefit the Dean’s Technology Innovation Fund and the Dean’s Excellence Fund. The Technology Innovation Fund allows the college to meet the region’s tech-talent workforce needs and supports the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program, tasked with increasing graduates with master’s degrees in computer science, computer engineering and software engineering. Donations to the Innovation Fund will be matched by a corporate donor dollar for dollar up to $250,000. The Dean’s Excellence Fund enables the college to respond to urgent needs and immediate priorities.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences, December 15—Gifts to the college during its Season of Giving day will help ensure the preparation of students to become Mason graduates who are leaders in their professions and communities. Financial support for scholarships, internships and workforce development helps the college remain nimble in meeting the changing needs of students so that critical discussions, informative research on important issues and support of the common good continues.